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Tuesday brings us exciting news, as Napoli have agreed to terms with their latest summer signing. Personal terms have been agreed, image rights secured, and the fee is all but worked out with his club. That player is ... Emanuele Giaccherini!
Wait, what?
Yeah, this one came out of nowhere. On Sunday, word came out that Napoli were considering signing him, and on Monday there was talk that Giaccherini was interested in a move. But since the player was hip-deep in talks to move from Sunderland to Torino, it was easy to dismiss those rumors as someone trying to drum up contract leverage. Turns out, not so much, because Napoli moved fast, got permission from Sunderland to talk contract, agreed to a contract, and are now believed to be finalizing the transfer fee.
Since Giaccherini is only signed through this season, it's believed that his fee will be €2 million at the absolute highest. Napoli reportedly agreed to a three-year contract worth €1.5 million per season, which is a fair rate for a 31 year old with Giac's experience and ability.
Giaccherini is, for those unfamiliar, an attacking midfielder who can also play well on the wing, though age has slowed his pace a bit at this stage. He used to be an impressive supersub and rotational player for Juventus, but a move to Sunderland saw him face no end of struggles, as injury and poor form turned him into a laughingstock in England. He spent last season back in Italy on loan with Bologna, though, and played well again, then impressed in his appearances for Italy at Euro 2016.
This isn't a big or sexy or exciting move for Napoli by any means, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good one. Giaccherini is a good player who gives Napoli a backup for Marek Hamsik, and helps them in a couple other spots as well. He can make an impact off the bench, he can do well as a starter, and he's cheap as hell. With the team needing better depth for the Champions League, there's really nothing not to like about this deal should it come to fruition.